Local Rockstars: Kid Culture about inspirational substances

Feb 4, 2013 | by Chloë Arkenbout | Music

About the author

Born and raised in Amsterdam, lives to dance and dances to live on electronic music, has a small vinyl addiction, appreciates a little sarcasm now and then, thinks musicals are annoying and loves those moments where you lose track of time completely.

Whether you went out last weekend to check out an uber-geeky beat magician or a depressingly awesome indie rock band, we all know there’s always some serious musical talents rocking around the Dam. You might not recognize them all yet, but don’t worry, you will soon. In this series of interviews we talk to remarkable artists about their music and their inspirations.

I mentioned earlier that I love artists that can’t be classified in one genre. That’s why I’m fond of local rockstar Kid Culture, he doesn’t just stick to one style. He’s been part of the scene for a while now and he definitely knows what’s up. This Friday he’ll play b2b with Rene Engel at We Are E‘s four year anniversary. Trust me, you do not want to miss out on this one.

Producing or performing: “Performing.”
Solo or b2b: “B2b.”
Intimate club or massive festival: “Intimate club.”
Alcohol, soft drugs or hard drugs: “Alcohol.”
Illegal rave or organized club: “Illegal rave.”
Favourite club in Amsterdam: “Studio 80.”
Favourite Amsterdam party organization: “LOS!“
Favourite Amsterdam based DJ: “Dimitri“.
Favourite festival: “Sonar.”
Favourite drink: “Vodka Cassis.”

You say you’re influenced by Carl Craig and Laurent Garnier, but also Jimi Hendrix, Joy Division and New Order. Not a combination you hear often. What do these artists have in common?
“Bands such as Joy Division and later New Order made the basis for techno, just like Kraftwerk did. Disco influenced Chicago house in the same way.”

So do you also play stuff from, let’s say, Joy Division in your sets?
“In special sets I do. When I do it probably means it was a good night where I was able to play outside of the box.”

Another comment on your Facebook page made me curious. You say that you’re also influenced by ‘other substances’ you ‘forget to mention’.
“Well, alcohol and weed work really well when producing music. When you’re making music you have to deal with a lot of repetition. Blowing makes this more comfortable.”

Your releases It’s Green On The Other Side and So Addictive were your ticket for playing abroad. You got booked to play at Tresor in Berlin, a dream come true. How was it to play in Berlin for the first time, compared to Amsterdam?
“Tresor is a great club with a rich history, it has that underground vibe to it. The crowd there is more rough than in Amsterdam. You won’t find hipsters or shuffling kids there. People come for the music.”

You started playing when you were twelve. You started playing your parents’ funk and jazz records, then got into hip-hop, then Chicago house and Detroit techno came into the picture. You’ve been around for a while and seen the scene change. How do you think the scene will change in the future?
“The new generation is a evaluation of what used to be. Just like that 90’s sound is coming back now. There are just a lot of different styles that are mixing right now. Techno with soul, as it should be, will always survive.”

After a set, how do you land back on earth? Can you even sleep?
“You’re right that a good set gives an incredible high. When the sound and crowd is just right it can be heavenly. Of course you’re very hyped after a set at first, but it’s just a process of cooling down that comes very natural to me. Just like playing, because I’ve been doing it for so long. ”

Tell me about your projects, releases and bookings in 2013 that you’re exited about.
“I’ve got an EP coming out on the new label from Nuno Dos Santos, called Something From Somewhere, distrubuted by Kompakt. I’m really excited about this because I really respect Nuno. He’s been doing his own thing without concessions for years now. Me and Rene Engel got some tracks coming up as well. And I just got signed at We Are E of course. I’ve got a good feeling about 2013, I’m exited!”

Upcoming Friday you play at the We Are E 4 year anniversary in Studio 80. What can we expect?
“I’m going to play b2b with Rene Engel. It’s going to be an all-nighter, so we can basically do whatever we want. We did this once before and it was great success. We will try to repeat this success, or even surpass it. We’re going to burn down the house. I’m not surprised if a Joy Division song might come along. I will also test some of my new material.”